There's nothing quite like a good clear out to help you feeling fresh, organised, and ready for the new year ahead.

A mug doesn't have to a mug, it could be a make-up brush holder

This time of year many of us have a little 'pre-Spring clean'; starting with throwing out or packing away the Christmas tree, boxing up the baubles, putting away the wrapping paper, and deciding what to do with any unwanted gifts.

But don't stop there – once you get started, make a day of it and you'll thank yourself later. From your wardrobe and sock drawer (yes, it's time to get rid of those tatty socks) to the kitchen cabinets (how many spatulas do you really need?) – a decluttered and organised home will give you the best possible start to the year.

Here's our top tips on how to get started and more importantly, get it finished!

1. Unwanted gifts and objects

"A singing tie? How did you guess? I’ll add it to my pile of other super Christmas gifts..." Even with all the good will in the world, our loved ones can still get presents very wrong. According to eBay's research, we open around 115 million unwanted gifts every year, worth an astonishing £2.2 billion.

There are plenty of things you can do with your unwanted presents that will still mean they're put to good use, one way or another. The same applies to any unwanted books, DVDs, clothes, any anything else taking up space in your home and creating clutter.

Firstly, perhaps you can find a different use for them. A mug doesn't have to a mug, it could be a make-up brush holder, or you could upcycle it into a candle, and that awful jumper could make a great addition to the children's dress-up box.

Secondly, you could donate the gifts to someone who is likely to appreciate them; give unwanted kids gifts to a children's hospital, and anything warm and practical like a coat, socks or jumper (no matter how hideous) to a homeless shelter.

Alternatively, you could organise a swapping party. This a fun way of getting rid of the gifts you don't want and maybe gaining some you do! Gather some friends round and ask them each to bring a few presents, or items, that they don't want. Then share a bottle of wine and rummage through what everyone has bought so that everything finds a new home.

2. Wardrobe

Clear up wardrobe space and make it easier to find things by trying on the clothes you rarely or never wear, and deciding whether to swap any unloved and unwanted clothes with a friend's. You could host a swapshop, sell them online, donate them to a charity shop, or drop them off at your local homeless shelter. Only put back into the wardrobe the clothes you are planning to wear over the next few months, and only box up the spring and summer clothes that you're realistically going to be wearing this summer, then get rid of everything else.

3. Tackle the rest of your bedroom

In order to make your sleeping space as serene as possible, remove any unnecessary bedroom clutter. Take the time to reevaluate what you've got in there. Things like old technology, books you've already read, and clothes you never wear, have to go.

4. Get your makeup under control

Sort through your makeup and get rid of any you never use; perhaps your children might like them for their dressing up box? Old mascaras that are dried up, clumpy or out of date should be binned, as should dried up nail varnishes. Wash old makeup brushes in the washing machine to give them a new lease of life.

5. Have a kitchen clear out

Tackle your worst kitchen drawer. Has it been over a month since you last used it? Do you have something else that serves the same purpose? If so, donate it, or swap it with a friend. Reorganise your pots and pans – if they tumble out of the cupboard every time you open the door and are piled on top of each other, evaluate whether there are any pans you can get rid of, or whether there is a better way of storing them. Get a hold on your spice cupboard; combine any of the same spices and herbs in one container, then throw away the empties. If you have a pantry, give it a makeover with clear labelled containers and Lazy Susans.

6. Plastic bags

Have a collection of plastic bags stored in a cupboard, drawer or under the sink? If grocery bags are piling up and creating chaos, stuff them into tissue boxes for a handy, compact solution.

7. Improve storage

If you still find you have clutter, consider more storage options, for example a pocket shoe organiser or hanging baskets on the back of the pantry, bathroom or laundry room door (or even the inside of your wardrobe) as a way to stash hair tools, makeup, school supplies, and anything else.

Get everything you need to declutter your home this January at George Home. Don't miss out on our January sale!